Catholic South West History
Newspaper for the Dioceses of Plymouth, Clifon and Portsmouth
.
Aug 2022 edition of the Catholic South West
Page 1
Youth Rally Page 3 The Catholic Post Centre The Road Pilgrim Page 9 August 2022 Inside Fr Andrew’,s Ordination Page 2 Now that Archbishop Mark has begun his new ministry in the Archdiocese of Cardiff and the Diocese of Menevia, I want to let you know what happens regarding the governance of our Diocese until a new Bishop is appointed. On Tuesday of last week, the Chapter of Canons, who in our Diocese also function as the College of Consultors, met and elected me to serve as the Diocesan Administrator whilst we await the appointment of a new bishop. My role as Diocesan Administrator comes with most of the obligations and authority of a Diocesan Bishop, particularly to ensure the continuity of the day-to-day affairs and operations of the Diocese, and to provide leadership so that the mission of the Gospel may be taken forward effectively at all levels of the Diocese. Because of the temporary nature of the role, this authority comes with some restraints and limitations: namely that nothing of major importance is to be altered and there is to be no significant innovation such as a new diocesan-wide programme or major initiative during the vacancy. The intention is to prevent decisions or actions that might harm or prejudice the rights of the incoming Bishop. At this stage, we do not know the duration of the vacancy. I am grateful and humbled by the trust that the Chapter has placed in Pastoral Message from Canon Paul Cummins, Diocesan Administrator me for this role, particularly as this is a new experience for all of us in the Diocese. In today’,s Gospel we heard that our duty is to spread the good news of the Kingdom of God. This will always be our mission as a community and as individuals. May we all continue to take every opportunity to, as St Paul says, ‘,serve one another …, in works of love’, and to love our neighbours as ourselves. Please pray for me and for our Diocese as we go through this period of transition. Please also pray that those responsible for choosing our next Bishop will be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and choose the right man for our Diocese. I will be praying for you. May God bless you. Let us pray as we await our new Bishop –, Page 10
Read in full
Page 2
2 August 2022 Catholic South West CONTACTS &, DETAILS Catholic South West is a monthly newspaper for Catholics in the Plymouth , Clifton and Portsmouth Dioceses . It is published by Bellcourt Ltd AIMS To build community in the South West by sharing stories relating to Catholic life around the South West . To encourage readers to get more involved in - or start - projects and initiatives in the local area . To provide thought - provoking articles to help readers deepen their Faith . GET INVOLVED We need your help ! Articles : We need your local articles - we can only include what we get . So if you have an article or just a photo with a short desc r iption - please send it in . Ideas : We need your ideas for the paper and we need your ideas in the paper . If you have any thoughts on what we sh - ould include - or if you are thinking about starting a new initiative - get in touch - we ’, d love to support it ! Readers : If you can encourage other readers in your parish please do so . Advertising : We rely on advertising - if you know of anyone that would benefit from promoting their business, event or anything else to parishioners throughout the South West, do let us know. SUBMITTING EDITORIAL To send in editorial or to get in touch please contact us at : CSW - Bellcourt Ltd N 2 Blois Meadow Business Centre Steeple Bumpstead Haverhil l , Suffolk CB 9 7 BN csw at cathcom . org 01440 730399 ADVERTISING To advertise in Catholic South West please contact us on 01440 730399 ads@cathcom.org DATES Catholic South West goes to parishes on the last full weekend of the month . It is printed around the middle of the month - so if you would like to adver - tise or send in editorial please do it as early as possible . LEGAL INFORMATION Please note that opinions expressed in this paper and on any linked sites or publications are not necessarily those of the Publishers , Editor , any Diocese or the wider Roman Catholic Church Every reasonable effort is made to ensure that due acknowledgement , when appropriate , is made to the originator of any image submitted for publication . It is understood that those submitting material for publication in CSW either hold the copyright or have arranged for publication with the appropriate authority . EDITORIAL GUIDELINES 1) Think of the readers : If you are writing about an event , think about the rea - ders that don ’, t know anything about it . Outline what happe - ned , but focus on why people go , why it is important to them , or some teaching that was given . Make sure readers learn something from your article - they don ’, t just want to know who was there and what snacks were available ! 2) Keep it brief : Make sure you make your point - but keep it brief and punchy . 3) Pictures : Send pictures as they are - even if they are very big to email . Don ’, t re - duce them in size or put them inside a Word document . They look fine on the screen but terrible in the paper ! FROM CSW Dear Reader, As a Diocese we have a new Administrator who will lead the Diocese we await a new bishop. There is a prayer for a new bishop which is on page 7. We also celebrate below the ordination of Fr Andrew which took place in July. We have included a free pull out excerpt from the Catholic Post which is a new national monthly Catholic Newspaper for the UK –, it is Carbon Neutral and full of National and International news –, well worth a read and if you enjoy it - subscribe! CSW TEAM The ordination of Fr Andrew Marlborough took place in Plymouth Cathedral on 9th July 2022 –, Bishop Mark (now Archbishop Mark) presided over the celebration and was joined by clergy from around the Diocese. Fr Andrew, worked in the auction and art gallery business for 10 years before joining Allen Hall Seminary in 2016. Profile of Fr Andrew Ordination to the Priesthood in Plymouth Diocese “,I grew up in Poole and worked for 10 years in the art and antiques business, mostly in auctions. Whilst living in Dorchester I became more involved in parish life and discerned a call to the priesthood. I entered seminary at Allen Hall in London in 2016 and have just finished my studies this year. During my time in seminary, I have helped in several parishes as well as schools, hospitals, and prison ministry. I look forward to life serving as a priest of the Diocese.”, –, Fr Andrew Marlborough before his ordination on 9 July 2022.
Read in full
Page 3
Catholic South West August 2022 3 Around the South West Send us your news csw at cathcom . org This amazing event attracted 70 or so young Catholics from far and wide in the Plymouth Diocese. Many were accompanied by their families, so in a sense it was a family outing as well as a Youth Rally. Saskia (Youth Events for the Diocese of Plymouth) and Patrick Morris, with their merry band of volunteer helpers had prepared a dozen or so activities for the youngsters to enjoy, and had prepared a copious flow of liquid refreshment, a free tuck-shop and a barbecue. Our chaplain for the day was Father Appollos, one of the Nigerian priests from St Joseph’,s, Newton Abbot. I was privileged to have been invited to join the team of helpers, I had never realised the extent of the facilities and open spaces at St Rita’,s, an ideal venue for this event. Once the participants had arrived at mid-day and eaten their packed lunches, the real fun started. We were blessed with a very hot and sunny afternoon, so the steady flow of drinks was welcome! Among the activities, as well as the bouncing castle, obstacle course, netball, bowling, sumo- wrestling and so on, the tug-of-war and the football penalty shoot-out stood out for the degree of both competition and cooperation displayed by the youngsters. Also notable was the enthusiasm of all the helpers, especially Father Appollos: not only did he urge on the tug-of-war teams very vocally, even joining in to help, but he also displayed his own sporting prowess shooting at the goal and defending it Diocesan Youth Rally St Rita’,s, Honiton, 9 July 2022 Mike Zollo, Totnes during breaks. He demonstrated his skill further, picking up a ball and getting it into the netball net with just one slick throw! The Mass at the end of the day was concelebrated by Father Appollos and from St Rita’,s, Father Romero and Father Sean Flannery. The Sunday readings had been chosen as the core of the Mass: the Gospel parable of the Good Samaritan provided us with an appropriate theme for the day: “,You must love your neighbour as yourself... do this and life is yours!”,. Before and after the Mass, celebrated on the lawn next to a field of cows, the medals and cups were awarded. A notable cup awarded for the first time was in the name of Patrick Morris, who has organised the Youth Rally for 25 years, although he will take a step back from organising it, we hope to see him for many more years to come. The John Wilcox Cup was awarded to Smudge –, a team of young people from across the diocese for winning the obstacle course (Over 12s) and the Sean Flannery Cup to the Sidmouth Parish team for their victory in the obstacle course (Under 12s). The prize for the best trying team was the Hugh O’,Donnal Trophy, won by the Amazonian Lions team made of youngsters from Ashburton and Buckfast parishes. The Patrick Morris was awarded –, the first time for this Cup - to Anna from Sidmouth parish. This was in recognition of her support for both her team and other teams: she was encouraging to all. Saskia and her team have received some very complimentary feedback on the Youth Rally: “,I loved that the charge was so little, with unlimited food and snacks available, even the sweet shop!”, “,I love the many years tradition behind that event, tradition in the Catholic church is one of our strong values, and is worth teaching the young that.”, “,The day could not have been better! I just pray that all seeds planted in little hearts grow, that the youth of the church will grow strong!”, “,Just want to let you know how moved I was by the day. It seemed really blessed and anointed!”, “,My lot were very excited to show their parents their medal haul!”, “,It’,s been good: I really appreciate how kids form such trusting long-term life friendships with such youth days, along with the mix of young people from all backgrounds: so inclusive and multi- cultural - it is just beautiful!”, “,Thanks Saskia. It was a great day. Everyone must be exhausted!”,. Speaking for myself, it was truly exhausting, but inspirational, and so very well-worthwhile! World Day Against Traffi,cking in Persons 2022 Clergy Safeguarding Conference On Thursday 14th June we held our first in-person Clergy Safeguarding Conference since 2019 at Exeter Racecourse. We had 70 priests and deacons from across the diocese in attendance, including some who had travelled from other countries. The aim was to build on training that has taken place previously, with an emphasis on our clergy having self-awareness of their own wellbeing. Fr Mark Skelton, the Clergy Lead for Safeguarding, opened the conference with a prayer. Safe Spaces (a free support service for anyone who has been abused by someone in the church, or as a result of their relationship with the Catholic Church in England and Wales, the Church of England, or the Church in Wales) gave the first presentation of the day. Their Project Manager, Donna Craine, spoke about the service and the support they can offer to victims/survivors of abuse. On the 30th July an annual event to raise awareness and increase prevention of people trafficking and modern day slavery took place. Trafficking in persons is a serious crime and a violation of human rights. Thousands of men, women and children fall victim to traffickers every year. This often happens as a result of them being misled to believe that they are being taken to work that will make their family better off, or through force or being kidnapped. Victims lose their rights and are forced to work, often doing hard labour or prostitution, but receive no payment. Additionally, they also frequently have their documents taken from them and are threatened with punishment if they should try to escape. For more information about trafficking and modern day slavery, and how to notice signs that this may be taking place please visit: https://www.unseenuk.org/about- modern-slavery/
Read in full
Page 4
‘,Seeking our Heart’,s Desire’, The Bishops of England and Wales, having carefully considered the Synodal National Synthesis, have now offered their initial reflections (link below) in the light of our shared faith in Christ and our shared belonging to his Church. Their discernment and the National Synthesis Report will now be sent to the Synod Office in Rome as our submission from England and Wales contributing to the work of towards the Synod of Bishops in 2023. Our Diocesan synthesis, the national synthesis and our Bishops’, discernment are all on the Diocesan Website –, link below. You can send any queries or thoughts to synodfeedback@prcdtr.org.uk Please keep the work of the synodal process in your prayers 4 August 2022 Catholic South West Catholic Children,s Society (Plymouth) 01364 645420 ccs@prcdtr.org.uk www.ccsplymouth.org.uk St Boniface House, Ashburton, Devon, TQ13 7JL EXTEND A HAND : GIVE HOPE Putting All Children First Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th August 2022 PLEASE DONATE TODAY to the only registered Catholic Children,s charity in the Diocese “,Never walk away from someone who deserves help, your hand is God’,s hand for that person”, Proverbs 3:27 Over the Bank Holiday weekend of 27th and 28th August, the Annual Appeal for the Catholic Children’,s Society (Plymouth) will be held across the Diocese. The Society aims to help vulnerable children and their families across the Diocese and works to support parents and carers as they bring up their children.Through their Essential Grant programme, CCSP support families with children by purchasing items such as beds and mattresses, school uniform and shoes, and white goods, as many families are struggling to buy these basic essentials of life. CCSP could not continue to do what they do to support vulnerable children and their families living in our Diocese, without the support of their parishes, parishioners and Catholic schools. And as many of their fundraising events have not returned to the pre-pandemic ‘,norm’, and CATHOLIC CHILDREN’,S SOCIETY (PLYMOUTH) - ANNUAL APPEAL 2022 the number of grant applications they are receiving continues to rise as a result of Covid -19, your support is even more appreciated. The number of applications they received in 2021 rose by 95 to a staggering 314 and CCSP envisage this number rising even more in 2022 as they received 87 applications in the first quarter alone of 2022 ! They are only able to help vulnerable children and their families who live in our Diocese thanks to the generosity of you all. Please support this year’,s Annual Appeal as much as you can over the weekend 27th and 28th August, but if this is difficult, perhaps consider helping in other ways, as we are always looking for help ! Please call 01364 645420 for more details or visit www.ccsplymouth.org.uk for alternative ways to donate at any time of the year via cheque, BACS, text and online. Diocese of Plymouth Synodal Journey Update Website Links Synodal National Synthesis: www.cbcew.org.uk/bishops-reflection- synodal-national-synthesis/ Plymouth Diocese Synodal Synthesis: www.plymouth-diocese.org.uk/synod/ There were a range of areas where strong feelings were expressed about the experience of lived synodality in our parishes: how power and authority is exercised, communication, welcome and participation, engaging and retaining young people, the role of the laity, particularly women, attitudes to divorced/separated, feelings of being judged, abuse, parish life and the priesthood, the liturgy. One notable element was the high number who raised attitudes to LGBTQ+ as a major barrier to walking together as a compassionate community. We understand that there can be a temptation to only see “,problems”, and that fixating on them could lead us to feel overwhelmed. Equally there were concerns that dissenting voices would be edited out of the final synthesis. Therefore, the section below explores themes which were frequently mentioned, both positive and challenging, as well as those mentioned less but which nonetheless resonated. There was no consensus on any of the themes –, for each viewpoint there was often an opposite view expressed and we have tried to reflect this. Appendix E contains a series of quotes which highlight the breadth of views offered. The way in which power and authority are exercised was a major theme. There was a sense that we need to reimagine current structures in order to foster genuine synodality. There was acknowledgement of the journey already made from the most extreme clericalism and the lifetimes work undertaken by our current clergy to achieve this. However, the structure of the Church remains hierarchical, paternalistic and almost exclusively male and seminaries are not perceived to be preparing priests for the realities of parish life. Governance and parish structures could be more professional and foster greater coresponsibility and mutual support reflecting modern society. There were suggestions that wealth enables access to power and influence. There is strong support for the Church making better use of the skills of laity and having a greater outward focus. There are vibrant parishes which create a variety of ways in which people can celebrate and be active in mission, but this is not common to all. Not all clergy or lay leaders promote the active participation of all the faithful in the liturgy and some feel actively excluded. It is perceived that sometimes the institutional Church would rather have no one than a lay person. Catholic women and men by virtue of their Baptism receive the grace to be “,Priest, Prophet and King”,, but not everyone feels their gifts are fully recognized or developed, restricting their answers to the Holy Spirit’,s Call to Serve. The rule disbanding parish structures when a priest moves on was felt to disrespect the skills, charisms and commitment of lay people, but was welcomed by others as an opportunity for change. Extract from the Diocesan of Plymouth Synodal Synthesis
Read in full
Page 5
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ, In September and October this year, the relics of St Bernadette will undertake a very special pilgrimage, journeying from Lourdes in France to cathedrals and churches across England, Scotland, and Wales. For many of us, the opportunity to enrich our faith through the experience of pilgrimage has been difficult or impossible over the last two years, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The pilgrimage St Bernadette’,s relics will undertake this Autumn offers us a welcome opportunity to bear active witness to our Faith, joining with one another across our many communities to encounter God’,s love and find spiritual, emotional, and psychological healing and renewal. As we welcome the relics of St Bernadette to the United Kingdom we are also reminded of the special significance of Lourdes as a place of pilgrimage and of love, where people of all ages serve and care for the sick and the most vulnerable in our society. I would encourage those people who are able to, to consider continuing the journey begun by the relics of St Bernadette this Autumn, joining with people from their parishes and Dioceses to travel on pilgrimage to Lourdes in the weeks and months ahead. We thank God for the faith of St Bernadette and for the many gifts and graces the relic tour will bring. Yours devotedly, AuguST 2022 Edition 7 page 4 page 4 Available in Full version Appointment of apostolic visitator for the Ukrainian greek-Catholic faithful Parish unveils stained glass window for Millennial saint T h e A s s u m p t i o n o f O u r B l e s s e d L a d y f e a s t d a y c e l e b r a t e d o n 1 5 t h A u g u s t The fi, rst Procession since 2019 Be part of the St Bernadette Relic To u r this A u t u mn In September and October this year, the relics of St Bernadette will journey on pilgrimage to England, Scotland, and Wales for the very first time. This very special once in a lifetime event will provide an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the special gifts and charisms of Lourdes, in a church or cathedral near them. Be part of the St Bernadette Relic Tour this Autumn. In September and October this year, the relics of St Bernadette will journey on pilgrimage to England, Scotland, and Wales for the very first time. The website https://stbernadette.org.uk/ will be updated regularly with information about the visit of the Relics Saturday 3 September to Sunday 30 October 2022. Details of how to register for an encounter with the Relics will be available in the Tour section of this same website soon. Once in a Lifetime Event Letter from Cardinal Vincent Nichols ✠, Cardinal Vincent Nichols Archbishop of Westminster
Read in full
Page 6
Page 2. The Catholic Post. August 2022. CONTACT US: The Catholic Post is published by its owners Bellcourt Ltd and is wholly independent of and separate from any previous newspaper. The Catholic Post is published on the last Sunday of the month previous to publication date. EDITOR: John Clawson email: johnclwson@icloud.com ADVERTISING: Natasha / Bellcourt Ltd. 01440 730399 / 07903 377019 ads@bellcourt.org DESIGN &, LAYOUT: David Lodge, david@bellcourtltd.co.uk PUBLISHED BY: Bellcourt Ltd. N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Blois Road, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk CB9 7BN 01440 730399 ARTICLES TO: The Catholic Post email: johnclwson@icloud.com or david@bellcourtltd.co.uk Please send articles for publication by email, supplying any photos separate to the text We welcome contributions Here are answers to some basic questions about writing for The Catholic Post How long should articles be? Usually it seems to work out best if contributors simply say what they have to say and let us worry about finding a spot for it in the paper. What is the submission procedure? Please send as a Word file attached to an e-mail. To submit articles for publication, contact John Clawson by email at johnclwson@icloud.com Charts, graphs, and photos should be submitted as separate PDFs. Electronic photos should not be embedded or pasted into a Word document as this reduces their quality. Photographs and Illustrations Photographs and Illustrations should be supplied electronically as high resolution JPEG (*.JPG) files). Photographs and illustrations should be sent in colour with a resolution of 300 dpi and a minimum size of 100 mm x 100 mm when printed (approx. 1200 pixels wide on- screen). Computer print-outs are not acceptable. Screen captures are not ideal as they are usually not very high Parental permission should be sought before submitting photographs of minors. Source information - DW = Diocesan Website. ICN = Independent Catholic News Views expressed in The Catholic Post are not necessarily those of the editor Last date for copy is the LAST DAY of the month prior to publication. From the presbytery.............. by Fr Neil McNicholas Citizens of the Kin g dom We are citizens of the state by virtue of our nationality, but we are also citizens of the kingdom of God by virtue of our baptism By definition, a citizen is “,a person owing loyalty to, and entitled by birth or naturalisation to the protection of the state. Citizenship is “,the status of a citizen with its attendant duties, rights and privileges. But what makes a good citizen? The answer would be all of the above and a lot more besides. It would include respect for the law and society’,s values enshrined in that law, contributing to society through work, education, social and even, perhaps, political involvement, paying taxes, exercising the right to vote, and so the list goes on. I don’,t think we think too much about it really. As citizens we just “,are”,, but that may not always be enough or good enough, because citizenship requires active commitment and involvement, it’,s something we have to invest ourselves in. If we don’,t, then it should bring to mind the quote from Groucho Marx that he would refuse to join any club that would have him for a member! So, what does it mean to be a citizen of God’,s kingdom? Most of us attended “,citizenship classes”,. Those who went to Catholic schools had about ten or eleven years of Catholic education, a steady daily input of what it meant to be a Catholic - our duties and responsibilities under God’,s law and the laws of the Church. As children we were on a faith journey marked out by the milestones of the sacraments we celebrated along the way and, little by little, coming to a fuller knowledge of what being a Catholic meant and what it required of us. St Paul said, “,When I was a child, I used to talk like a child, and think like a child, and argue like a child, but now I am grown, all childish ways are put behind me”, (1Cor 13 v 11). Just as in the world around us we take on more and more responsibilities as we become adults, so it should be with our membership of the Church. Little by little we discover –, or we should do –, that being a Catholic Christian, being a member of the Church, and therefore being a citizen of the kingdom, is more about doing than just being. Little by little more and more opportunity opens up for us to be actively involved in the life of the Church through various aspects of service and ministry and membership of pastoral groups and organisations. This enriches and strengthens the foundations of our faith so that, nourished by the Eucharist, we then go out into the world to bear witness to our faith, helping to build up the kingdom by bringing others to find out more about this person Jesus who is at the centre of our lives. We don’,t tend to consider that we have any rights as citizens of the kingdom, and yet we do. We have a right to the ministry of the Church, and we have a right to be saved because it has been obtained for us, won for us, by Our Lord and is now available to us. We claim our “,right”, by living right(ly) as good citizens, hoping to be found worthy of eternal life in God’,s kingdom. Salvation, however, isn’,t just a personal quest, a race for sanctification, but is something we share and live out in the community of the Church which is the body of Christ. We strive for sainthood together, and our hope is for as many as possible to come to knowledge of Christ and so be saved. Many people would claim to believe in God but wouldn’,t consider themselves to be “,religious”, as such. Many more wouldn’,t claim even that much and yet live good lives according to a moral code that is, perhaps, more instinctive than denominational. Neither of these situations is good enough for us, however, as citizens of the kingdom. We have to be more committed than that. We have to stand up and be counted. We need to put our “,x”, firmly in the box of our choice for God and the things of God. It’,s that old question that if it were a crime to be a Christian (and it sometimes seems as if it will be soon), would there be enough evidence to convict us? The society around us operates according to social mores –, accepted practices and customs that are considered necessary for its survival and the well-being of its citizens. There is also “,natural law”,, a moral code that derives from an instinctive sense of right and wrong. These are generally the basis of the formally enacted laws of our legal system. In addition we, as citizens of God’,s kingdom, have to follow what is right and reject what isn’,t, and we take our lead from his word in scripture and from the teaching of the Church he founded of which we are members. Whilst we are aware of our duty to uphold and keep the law of the land: The citizen is obliged in conscience not to follow the directives of civil authorities when they are contrary to the demands of the moral order, to the fundamental rights of persons or the teachings of the Gospel. Their loyal collaboration includes the right, and at times the duty, to voice their criticisms of that which seems harmful to the dignity of persons and to the good of the community. 1 We are citizens of the state by virtue of our nationality, but we are also citizens of the kingdom of God by virtue of our baptism. We have a birth certificate issued by the state, but we also have a rebirth certificate issued by the Church. We have duties and responsibilities both as citizens of the state and as citizens of the kingdom of God and we must be prepared for the fact that they may not always be complementary. For us, God is the higher authority. The Catechism cites the letter of an unknown second-century author written to a certain Diognetus in defence of the Christian faith in which he says: [Christians] reside in their own nations, but as resident aliens. They participate in all things as citizens and endure all things as foreigners. They obey the established laws but their way of life surpasses the laws. So noble is the position to which God has assigned them that they are not allowed to desert it. Our pursuit of the things that make for good citizenship in God’,s kingdom will help to build up the unity of the body of Christ, the Church, and will provide a firmer foundation from which to bring the gospel message to that more general, earthly, citizenship which is all around us and of which we are also a part. However, the bottom line for us is summed up by St Paul. Our homeland is in heaven. (Phil 3 v 20) 1 Catechism of the Catholic Church, paras 2242 &, 2238 2 Philippians 3:20-21 We are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Saviour.
Read in full
Page 7
The Catholic Post. August 2022. Page 3. Campai g ners pleased at MPs opposition to e u thanasia and assisted s u icide ICN Care Not Killing is pleased at the ",strength and breadth", of opposition from MPs towards the policy of introducing euthanasia and assisted suicide (EAS), in the UK. During Monday`s Westminster Hall debate, parliamentarians heard about just some of the dangers of introducing so-called ",assisted dying",, including evidence from Oregon, Canada and the Netherlands, with vulnerable people feeling pressured into ending their lives prematurely, and the growing link between introducing EAS and increases in a jurisdiction’,s suicide rate. Danny Kruger (Con), Chair of the Dying Well All-Party Group, referred to considerations of financial savings in extending euthanasia in Canada beyond terminal illnesses, and the reality of care rationing within the NHS. Stephen Timms (Lab) described the NHS as his party`s greatest achievement, and said its being underfunded was not a reason to give up on seeking achievable, high-quality, equally- accessed palliative care. He said: ",I agree with the organisation Care Not Killing that we want…, a funded policy for comprehensive hospice, community and hospital specialist palliative care services across the country, with a duty placed on NHS trusts to ensure these services are made available to all who need them.", As the debate drew to a close, the Minister restated the Government`s longstanding position: the ultimate decision is for Parliament, as with other issues of conscience, and ",our neutral stance means that this would have to be via private members legislation.", Dr Gordon Macdonald, Chief Executive of Care Not Killing, commented: ",Doctors` groups such as the Association of Palliative Medicine, disability rights organisations, and all those who oppose the introduction of euthanasia and assisted suicide will be pleased at the strength and breadth of opposition to changing the law in Parliament. ",We heard MPs acknowledge that palliative care remains a Cinderella service, hugely reliant on charity with many patients who would benefit from this type of care not currently receiving it, this should be the priority. MPs like Sir Peter Bottomley recognised the growing body of evidence that shows legalising assisted suicide or euthanasia does not reduce the suicide rate in the general population but increases it. This was explored convincingly in a recent peer-reviewed study from the UK`s Anscombe Bioethics Centre published in February, which showed a `consistent association` between the passing of assisted suicide and euthanasia laws and an increase in suicide rates (including assisted suicides) among the general population across those countries that have introduced euthanasia or assisted suicide.", Dr Macdonald continued: ",Some MPs rightly expressed concern at the mission creep we see in countries like Canada,which legalised so called `medical assistance in dying` in 2015. The law was originally limited to those whose natural deaths were `reasonably foreseeable`, but in September 2019 the Quebec Superior Court struck down that restriction. This followed the case of Alan Nichols, a former school caretaker who was physically healthy, but struggled with depression. His life was ended by lethal injection in July 2019. That same year also saw the chilling case of Roger Foley, who was repeatedly offered the drugs to kill himself, while being denied the social care to live a dignified life, due to the cost. ",At the same time, deaths from lethal injection continue to rise in Canada. In 2020 7,595 had their lives ended this way, including 1,412 who cited loneliness as a reason for opting to be killed, no doubt this was compounded by Covid. Now the Canadian law has been expanded to include those with chronic conditions, and soon, mental health conditions. ",Our current laws protect vulnerable people and do not need changing, instead we need to refocus our attention on how to ensure we provide the very best palliative care to those who need it.", Care Not Killing is a UK-based alliance bringing together over 40 organisations - human rights and disability rights organisations, health care and palliative care groups, faith-based organisations groups - and thousands of concerned individuals. We have three key aims: to promote more and better palliative care, to ensure that existing laws against euthanasia and assisted suicide are not weakened or repealed, to inform public opinion further against any weakening of the law. If you are concerned about any issues raised in this article and would like to talk to someone - Contact the Samaritans. They listen. They won`t judge or tell you what to do. Call any time, day or night from any phone for FREE. Call 116 123 We need to refocus our attention on how to ensure we provide the very best palliative care to those who need it Bishop Sherrin g ton comments on Roe v Wade Archdiocese of Westminster for better legal and social protections for women and the unborn child. They call for much more reflection on what is needed for relationships and sex education that is rooted in respect and self-restraint, support for the family and single mothers. We need to reduce the upper time limit for abortions and re-examine the law which permits a child with disability to be aborted up to birth. This is a moment that calls for the building of a culture of life and welcome where all are recognised and treated as a gift. This is the work of the evangelisation of culture. `The Church will strive to offer hope and healing for all those hurt by the tragedy of abortion. `We wish to see fruitful debate on these important topics, avoiding polarised ideologies. The value of human life is too precious for such an approach. `We ask the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe and St Gianna Beretta Molla and remember the prayer of the Hail Mary, ",Blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus",.` Further resources are available from the following: Life Charity’,s ‘,Pregnancy Matters’, offers emotional and practical support for pregnant women. Rachel’,s Vineyard offers - support for those affected by the trauma of abortion. www.rachelsvineyard.org.uk Bishop John Sherrington, Lead Bishop for Life Issues for the Bishops` Conference of England and Wales and Auxiliary in Westminster, issued the following comment following the US Supreme Court decision to overturn the Roe v Wade judgment: `The recent decision of the US Supreme Court to overturn the Roe v Wade judgment and so affirm that the constitution does not confer a right to abortion is momentous and of huge significance. It reflects the prayers, dedicated work and commitment of those who seek to protect women who are pregnant and the unborn child. Pope Francis reminds us of how abortion laws have trivialised the gift of human life, “,It is troubling to see how simple and convenient it has become for some to deny the existence of a human life as a solution to problems that can and must be solved for both the mother and her unborn child.”, (Pope Francis to UN, September 2020) `The judgment not only calls for reflection in the US, but also for significant reflection in our country as we see again the rising numbers of abortions in 2021. The many painful situations which lead to abortion are reflected in these shocking statistics and call Photo: Mazur/CBCEW.org.uk The Church will strive to offer hope and healing for all those hurt by the tragedy of abortion
Read in full
Page 8
Appointment of apostolic visitator for the ukrainian greek-Catholic faithf u l resident in the Rep u blic of Ireland and in Northern Ireland “,With the recent arrival of thousands of displaced Ukrainians fleeing harm’,s way since the 24 February invasion of Ukraine by Russia, I hope to work very closely with the Roman Catholic Bishops of Ireland and Northern Ireland in seeking ways to respond in positive ways to the humanitarian and pastoral needs of the growing Ukrainian Community.”, Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski, of the eparchy of the Holy Family of London of the Byzantine Ukrainians, as apostolic visitator for the Ukrainian Greek- Catholic faithful resident in the Republic of Ireland and in Northern Ireland. Upon hearing of his appointment Bishop Nowakowski said: “,I am grateful for the support and trust that His Holiness Pope Francis and His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church have placed in me. I look forward to working closely with the Bishops of Ireland in ensuring good pastoral care for the Ukrainian Catholics in Ireland.”, “,There is currently one Ukrainian Catholic parish in Ireland located in Dublin with Fr Vasyl Korentsky assigned to serving Ukrainian Catholics in the Archdiocese of Dublin.”, I look forward to working closely with the Bishops of Ireland in ensuring good pastoral care for the Ukrainian Catholics in Ireland CBCEW Clifton parish u nveils stained g lass window for Millennial Saint A parish in Wiltshire is believed to be one of the first in the country to commission a stained glass window dedicated to ‘,Millennial Saint’, Blessed Carlo Acutis. Artist Michael Vincent created the piece for St Aldhelm’,s in Malmesbury using methods that have remained unchanged for hundreds of years. Millennial Saint Blessed Carlo was just 15 when he died of leukaemia but the millennial, an avid computer programmer, was a devout child with a great affection for the Blessed Sacrament and for reciting the Rosary. He rarely missed an opportunity to attend daily Mass and to this day inspires thousands of young people worldwide. Although not yet a saint, London-born Carlo can be venerated in a church with special permission from the local diocese. Artwork The stained glass at St Aldhelm’,s shows a smiling Blessed Carlo with a mobile phone in the strap of his rucksack, a watch on his left arm and the IHS symbol on his top. One of Blessed Carlo’,s most popular quotes can be read under the image: “,The Eucharist is the highway to heaven.”, Futureproofing A second miracle needs to be attributed to the intercession of a man or woman on the path to sainthood so some time may pass before Blessed Carlo Acutis is canonised and declared a saint. This is something the parish has considered. A replacement pane of glass that modifies the ‘,Bl.’, before his name to ‘,St.’, will be kept safe until that joyous time arrives. The window has been created with the structure of the church and its other windows in mind. There are already stained glass windows installed dedicated to St Aldhelm, Our Lady, the Sacred Heart, St Joseph and Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Process After the initial design, artist Michael Vincent produced a full-sized drawing called a ‘,cartoon’, that offered a blueprint of the window that could be used for glass cutting and lead lines. At this stage the glass was chosen and cut to suit the lead matrix. In this case. Mr Vincent used a variety of glass –, mostly mouth-blown glass from the UK and Germany –, including some flashed glass where the flashed surface is dissolved using hydrofluoric acid so more colours can be used within one pane of glass. After this, painting begins. The aim here is to essentially paint with light, first by painting the trace lines to give an outline to work with. Next the glass is waxed up onto a large sheet of clear glass which can be put up to the studio window utilising a natural light source. ‘,Matting’, comes next, where several layers of paint are applied to the glass using various brushes and techniques. When the paint is dry it can be removed and worked with stiff or soft brushes to let light through where needed. Various techniques can be used to achieve different effects. Between applications of paint, the glass is removed from the easel and placed in a kiln. Firing in the kiln, at temperatures of up to 650°,C, fuses the paint to the surface of the glass creating a permanent bond. The majority of the glass paint used is black, bistre, amber and silver stain. Interestingly, many of the colours you see are generated by the raw glass itself and not the paint. When this stage is complete it can then be leaded together using Cames, a U-Channel shaped lead section the glass slots into which then is bonded together with a gas iron forming the structure of the window. The window is then cemented using a form of runny black putty that is used to waterproof and strengthen the window when cured. Finally, a thorough clean and polish takes place and the window is ready for installation. CBCEW Stained glass window of Blessed Carlo Acutis at St Aldhelm’,s He rarely missed an opportunity to attend daily Mass and to this day inspires thousands of young people worldwide Page 4. The Catholic Post. August 2022.
Read in full
Page 9
Warning sign—,bends: Bend warning signs sometimes have an additional sign informing of an adverse camber. Adverse camber slopes away from the bend. Unless resisted it ‘,throws’, a vehicle away from the intended direction of travel. A driver on such a bend experiences what appears to be a force drawing him outward from the bend (centrifugal force), yet in reality there is a force keeping him on the intended direction of travel (centripetal force). A person observing the journey from outside the vehicle sees the centripetal force keeping the driver on course. In the spiritual life, at times of temptation we can experience seemingly nothing other than the lure of evil. Yet, within the struggle against temptation is the force of God keeping us on the correct path. Like the observer outside the vehicle, maybe someone else is best placed to see the centripetal force of God at work in our life when we cannot. All temptation is akin to driving road bends, each puts us at risk of going astray. There are many bends and there are many temptations, some big others small. Ignatius of Loyola, in his fourteenth rule of discernment, refers to the enemy of human nature (the devil) in terms of a military leader attacking his enemy (i.e. us) at our weakest point. The weak spots in our character are where we are most likely to be ‘,thrown’, off course, they are the adverse cambers of our spiritual life. God is the centre of rotation around every bend. The more we anchor into our true selves, the more we experience the centripetal love of God. As Ignatius teaches, when we find and follow what we truly want we find and follow what God wants too. How well do you drive the bends on the highway of life? Warning sign—,watercourse: A roadside watercourse is a reminder that alongside every moment is the stream of life. Finding the positives in every situation captures something of this spiritual awareness. I once came across a roadside watercourse where the water appeared to flow uphill. It was a gravity hill. They are more common than you might think, and they can also give the appearance of such things as balls and even cars freely rolling uphill. Of course, gravity is not being defied, the optical illusion has something to do with false horizon lines in the surrounding landscape. It can easily deceive. In the Bible, St Paul says ‘,Satan disguises himself as an angel of light’,. (2 Cor. 11:14) Satan is very cunning. To lure people away from the truth he masquerades as goodness, as light. Yet, like gravity hills, what he offers is an illusion. Be warned! Satan (and his demons) create a false horizon and offer a false perspective. God is the only true horizon offering a true perception of reality. In one’,s search for God, Satan will be present too. If you do not believe this, Satan has you where he wants you. God’,s love always flows alongside the highway of life, but be careful not to be deceived, discern the spirits. Warning sign—,tunnel: The next time you drive through a tunnel, spare a thought for those who built it. Appreciation for their hard work makes one grateful. So often in life, we benefit from the efforts of others. Tunnels are dug in the spiritual life too. This applies within individual lives and within the Church community—, especially so during the Synodal process we are engaging in. We come across problems and to make progress we need to dig, sometimes very deep. It may be easier to go around an obstacle or remain on the surface, but avoiding problems and/or living shallowly does not foster love. Like the tunnel builders of times gone past, you too may not live long enough to see the light at the end of all your tunnels. Yet rest assured, your effort and hard work in love are never lost. Those that come after will reap the benefit, like you as you drive through tunnels made by others. The Road Pilgrim Part Six - Warning Signs CSW looks at the word “, Assumption ’,’, The Latin Mass Society www.lms.org.uk 020 7404 7284 Masses in the Extraordinary Form in Plymouth Diocese: Lanherne Convent, St. Mawgan, Cornwall TR8 4ER Sundays , 8.30am Low Mass 10.00am Sung Mass Monday –, Saturday 8am Low Mass. Thursdays 8am Low Mass and 6.15pm Low Mass Confession: Saturdays at 3pm St. Edward the Confessor, Home Park Avenue, Peverell, Plymouth, Devon PL3 4PG 3pm Sung Mass. Confessions before and after Mass. 1st Saturdays 11.30am Holy Angels Shrine Church, Queensway, Chelston, Torquay, Devon TQ2 6BP Sunday 9.45 –, 10.15 am Confessions. 10.30am Sung Mass Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 5pm Adoration (with Confession available) 6pm Low Mass Tuesdays &, Saturdays 8.30am Low Mass St. Cyprian, Ugbrooke House, Chudleigh, Devon TQ13 0AD Contact LMS rep for August (1) Blessed Sacrament, Fore St., Heavitree, Exeter, Devon EX1 2QJ Contact LMS Rep for August (1) Our Lady of Lourdes &, St. Cecilia, White Cliff Mill St., Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 7BN Monday 15th August (Assumption of BVM) 12 noon Low Mass Saturdays 9.30am. Our Lady Queen of Martyrs &, St. Ignatius, North Road, Chideock, Dorset DT6 6LF Latin Mass Society pilgrimage in honour of the Chideock Martyrs Saturday 17th September 11.30am High Mass. (1) In case of change before travelling contact LMS Rep on 07555536579/devon@lms.org.uk To Advertise please contact Natasha on 01440 730399 natasha@cathcom.org Catholic South West August 2022 9 This article is an extract from Dr Paul Dixon`s forthcoming book, The Road Pilgrim. Over the coming months we shall be pubishing extracts. For more details, email: info@theroadpilgrim.com Assumption, in Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic theology, is the doctrine that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken (assumed) into heaven, body and soul, following the end of her life on Earth. There is no mention of the Assumption in the New Testament, although various texts are frequently adduced to demonstrate the appropriateness of the doctrine, the imagery of which is related to the Ascension of Jesus into heaven. Theologically, the doctrine means that Mary’,s redemption involved a glorification of her complete personality and anticipated the state promised to the rest of humankind. The doctrine’,s development is closely related to a feast devoted to Mary that passed from a general celebration in her honour to one celebrated on August 15 commemorating her dormition, or falling asleep. The feast, which originated in the Byzantine Empire, was brought to the West, where the term Assumption replaced the earlier title to reflect increased emphasis on the glorification of Mary’,s body as well as her soul.
Read in full
Page 10
10 August 2022 Catholic South West To Advertise in the Funeral Section contact Natasha on 01440 730399 natasha@ cathcom.org Funeral Services Did you read this? I will give you shepherds after my own heart. Jeremiah 3:15 As we await our new bishop we pray…, for our diocese…, Lord God, you are our eternal shepherd and guide. In your mercy grant to the Diocese of Plymouth a shepherd who will walk in your ways, and whose watchful care will bring us your blessing. We ask this in the name of Christ our Lord. for discernment…, Heavenly Father, send your Spirit on the Church in this time of discernment for a new pastor for our diocese. May the one chosen to lead and inspire us in the years to come, be an ardent and gentle shepherd to us all. Grant this in the name of Christ our Lord. and in thanksgiving for Archbishop Mark’,s time among us…, Loving God, we give you thanks for the years of ministry of Archbishop Mark among us. We pray that he may have abundant blessings in his appointment as Archbishop of Cardiff and Bishop of Menevia. We pray too for the clergy and people of those two dioceses as they begin the next phase of their journey of faith with Archbishop Mark. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus the Lord. Diocese of Plymouth
Read in full
Page 11
Catholic South West August 2022 11 A HEART LARGER THAN THE WORLD –, PEDRO ARRUPE Brian Grogan SJ Messenger Publications pbk, 269 pages, 2022 £,18.95 The author knew Pedro personally, and his writing shows how much Pedro meant to him, and to so many others. I met Pedro a few times myself, and was touched deeply by him. As the writer states: “,Arrupe witnessed in an extraordinary way to the disturbing freshness of Christ”,[p.204]. He always saw possibilities, not problems, and was future-focused. For him, Jesus was everything, and he lived that reality beautifully day by day. He was a man totally in love with Jesus, with whom he spent some four hours per day one to one in personal prayer. This book will enrich whoever dares to pick it up, and will challenge to better love and service of Jesus as a woman or man for and with others. This moving biography will take the reader through the life of this awesome 83 year old, who knew suffering from early on in life when as the youngest of five children he lost his mother aged nine, and his father when twenty. Pedro began studying to be a medical doctor, but before he finished his studies entered the Jesuits, after witnessing the poor as a member of the St Vincent de Paul Society as a student, and a Eucharistic miracle of healing in Lourdes. He longed to go as a missionary to Japan, but had to wait ten years for that dream to come true. When he did arrive there in 1938, he spent the first two years learning the language in Nagatsuka, Hiroshima. In 1941, when Japan entered World War ll, he was jailed for just over a month, and felt terribly the loss of daily Eucharist. He became master of novices, and three years later on 6 August 1945 witnessed the first atomic bomb. As a result, he organised an emergency hospital in the noviciate, and treated some 200 wounded individuals there over months. He was in turn vice- provincial and then provincial of Japan, where 300 Jesuits from 30 nations were working. On 7 May 1965 the 31st General Congregation of the Society of Jesus began in Rome, and Pedro was an elected member. Two weeks later he was chosen Book Reviews as the 28th Superior General of the Jesuits, a post he held until 1983, when the 33rd General Congregation began on 3rd September. He led during rather turbulent years after Vatican ll, under three popes, Paul Vl, John Paul l, and John Paul ll. At times he had difficulties with each of the three popes, as he had scant knowledge of how Rome worked, as most of his Jesuit life had been spent in the Far East. But with each pope in time he eventually gained their trust. For years he was president of the Union of Superiors General, a vast complex of women and men religious that spanned the world, such was the trust given to him. He represented them at six Synods of Bishops between 1967 and 1980. In that latter year he initiated Jesuit Refugee Service as a result of seeing so many Vietnamese who were refugees from their country. Moreover, in 1980 Pedro offered his resignation to Pope John Paul ll, but the latter asked him to carry on, which he did. Sadly, though, the next year 1981 saw him suffer a severe cerebral thrombosis on return to Rome after yet another of his multiple worldwide trips to meet fellow Jesuits. For the last ten years of his life he was confined to one room in Jesuit HQ, and looked after by a faithful Jesuit Brother. He died on 5 February 1991. Apart from giving a true flavour of this remarkable man, the author also covers his legacy, and the hope that one day Pedro will be declared officially a Saint! This book will open the eyes of your heart, for it gives a glimpse of an individual utterly in love with the Lord and his people, and an outstanding servant of the poor, indeed a man with a heart larger than the world. Fr Denis Blackledge SJ Journeying with Jesus is a deeply spiritual and lavishly re - sourced pro - gramme of study for those who want to journey side by side with our Lord during Lent, either in - dividually or in small groups. We begin our journey in the wilderness and finally sit with him at the table before ac - companying him to the cross.The main purpose of the book is to encourage the reader to think about Jesus’, journey and their own. How can the story of Jesus throw light on your own? JOURNEYING WITH JESUS By Fr Denis McBride £,14.95 - www.rpbooks.co.uk The intense, shockingly timely, real ac - count of growing up in Eastern Germany behind the ‘,Iron Curtain’, NEVER MIND, COMRADE Claudia Bierschenk Published by Tangerine Press Trade Paperback, £,12 100-Copy Numbered and Signed Edition, £,40 26-Copy Lettered and Signed Edition, £,150 ISBN: 9781910691700 (PB), 9781910691717 (HB) Life Behind the Iron Curtain 1982-89 Once upon a time, there was a small, three-letter- country known as GDR. Claudia Bier - schenk spent the first fourteen years of her life there, until it disappeared from all maps of the world overnight. Never Mind, Com - rade isn’,t about how awful life was behind the ‘,iron curtain’, during the 1980s. Yes, we learn of a world ruled by ideology, restric - tions, half-truths, superstition, but there is also magic and humour within these pages. The author skilfully and sensitively conjures up a child’,s curiosity, not just the clear-eyed innocence of those years, but also how deeply children think and feel about ‘,adult’, concerns. The country that Claudia Bierschenk grew up in no longer exists. Perhaps the strongest message from this book is that if the Berlin Wall can fall, anything is possible. Now more than ever, as Eastern Europe once again finds itself the focus of great uncertainty, Never Mind, Comrade acts as a reminder that no matter where you live, there are certain collective emotions and questions that all childhoods share, and that even the ‘,iron curtain’,, with all its challenges, had the power to bring people together. Written in parallel with its German edition, Never Mind, Comrade is not a direct translation of Land ohne Verben. Both the German and English language versions have been developed by the author simultaneously, with sections added and removed in the English version, as the author saw fit, for a wider international readership. In addition to the high-quality trade paperback edition, Tangerine Press are producing a limited number of By Caroline Carroll and Michael Carroll ISBN-13 9780281082964 £,12.99 - www.eden.co.uk GOD MADE THE DINOSAURS From the diplodocus to pterodactyls, God Made the Dinosaurs is jam- packed with fascinating facts and interesting information about the creatures that once roamed earth. This beautifully illustrated book will teach 7- to 9-year-olds all about dinosaurs, from the familiar T-Rex to lesser-known species, highlighting how these and other prehistoric creatures show the wonder of God`s creation. Children will love learning more about their favourite dinosaurs, as well as discovering how we know about these incredible creatures. God Made the Dinosaurs looks at how we’,ve learned from fossils and genetics, and introduces palaeontologists and other scientists who have contributed towards our understanding of God’,s creation. Produced in collaboration with the Faraday Institute, and with Jesú,s Soté,s’, incredible artwork bringing every page to brightly-coloured life, God Made the Dinosaurs will teach kids how science and religion can work together to teach us about the world that God has created and fill them with awe for the majestic creatures that walked the earth so long ago. handbound, hardcover, collectors’, editions signed by the author, available direct from the publisher. The limited editions will feature a special artwork byHans Ticha, one of the most important contemporary German graphic artists and illustrators. Praise for the Book “,Fascinating, absurd, tender postcards from the other side of the Iron Curtain. They build into an insightful, moving portrait of an entire lost society and those who sur - vived it.”, Darran Anderson, author of Imaginary Cities ",A compelling and poetic account of the harsh realities of life behind the Berlin Wall…,A testament to Claudia Bierschenk’,s exceptional skill as a writer, listener and observer. One of my books of the year, so far.", Adelle Stripe, author of Ten Th ousand Apologies
Read in full
Page 12
12 August 2022 Catholic South West CRYPTIC Across 7 Pool, outside Jerusalem, is a store of grain by morning (6) 8 Quiet after drink by the river in the Syrian city (6) 9 Felix`s wife needs a doctor, getting sick in America (8) 10 Police officer close to Egypt reportedly finds a Christian sect member (4) 11 Pulls apart sick pun? (7) 14 Biblical prophetess`s name for a Scottish town (5) 15 Midlands city cricket captain loses toss in the end (5) 17 One`s reflective after transposing Yeats into the church (4-3) 21 Short recording following the appearance of old poet (4) 22 In Persia he, curiously, becomes a Jew (8) 24 Dangerous plant genus, dock, making a comeback in the borders of Asia (6) 25 Partly responsible, ambushing Canaan town (6) CRYPTIC Down 1 Stories he tells sending up type of transport (4) 2 Road on which social climber turned up displaying ornamental shrub (6) 3 A boy king, son of Eliiphaz (6) 4 Native American`s upset losing ring, one coming from Indonesia (5) 5 Clergyman`s study down under is being curtailed (6) 6 Record at a pub, one New York`s supporting, being a January fixture (8) 12 `Birth of a Nation`s only half on –, at six on telly, either side –, at Christmas (8) 13 Top South Australian carnivore`s kind of pouch (3) 16 Report Viking retreat in a valley near Jerusalem (6) 18 One killed in Susa is a boy found upset within Ionia`s bounds (6) 19 Guard hurled the first of lances to be commandeered (6) 20 ...Lance earl used to break up joust (5) 23 Biblical country`s macho overthrow (4) QUICK Across 7 Underground pool, once a major water source for Jerusalem (6) 8 Second city of Syria (6) 9 Wife of procurator Felix who heard Paul`s case (8) 10 Member of a Christian sect, one descended from the ancient Egyptians (4) 11 Pulls apart, works out (7) 14 UN Secretary General 1997-2006, Scottish town (5) 15 Add fuel to: keep (a fire) going (5) 17 Middle-of-the-road illumination (4-3) 21 Roman poet remembered for his elegiac verses on love (43 BC - AD 17) (4) 22 Member of a strict sect of Judaism (8) 24 Genus of the family commonly known as belladonna or deadly nightshade (6) 25 Town of Canaan where Jehu killed Ahaziah (6) QUICK Down 1 Fabricator of the truth, perjurer (4) 2 Japanese dwarf trees and shrubs (6) 3 Grandson of Esau and son of Eliphaz (6) 4 Son of Japheth, father of people who lived in Greece and Asia Minor (5) 5 Position of an ordinand on successful completion of training (6) 6 Day after Twelfth Night (8) 12 Theological doctrine that Jesus Christ had no human father (8) 13 Fluid container, bag (3) 16 Valley separating Temple Mount from the Mount of Olives (6) 18 Notable among the enemies killed by the Jews at Ahasuerus` citadel in Susa (6) 19 Protect, ward off (6) 20 Assegai, for example (5) 23 Biblical country in south-west Asia to the east of the Tigris River (4) 2-in-1 Crossword by Axe You can use both sets of clues to solve the puzzle: the solutions are the same. SOLUTION Across: 7 Siloam, 8 Aleppo, 9 Drusilla, 10 Copt, 11 Unpicks, 14 Annan, 15 Stoke, 17 Cat`s-eye, 21 Ovid, 22 Pharisee, 24 Atropa, 25 Ibleam. Down: 1 Liar, 2 Bonsai, 3 Amalek, 4 Javan, 5 Deacon, 6 Epiphany, 12 Nativity, 13 Sac, 16 Kidron, 18 Adalia, 19 Shield, 20 Spear, 23 Elam. By Fr Jeremy Corley Scripture Focus JESUS TRANSFIGURED On Saturday 6th August we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. In a world full of sorrow, this feast is a great celebration of our hope that suffering and death is not the last word. Jesus showed his chosen disciples his future glory, which he would reach through his cross and resurrection, in order to open up heaven for us. This unusual event of the Transfiguration comes at a turning point in the gospel story. After hearing his teaching and seeing his miracles, the disciples recognize who he is. Peter acknowledges that Jesus is the anointed saviour, sent by God the Father. But Jesus warns them that his glory will not come cheaply. He will first need to suffer and be rejected and put to death. Even if Peter finds it hard to accept that his Master will suffer, Jesus teaches that suffering is inevitable on the way to heaven. A few days later, Jesus gives Peter and John and James this glimpse of his future glory. He takes them up a high mountain, traditionally identified as Mount Tabor in Galilee. While he is praying there, his glory is seen, when his face and clothing become radiant. With him appear Israel’,s two great leaders: Moses and Elijah. Moses represents the Law, and Elijah symbolizes the prophets. Jesus belongs in their company as our great teacher and prophet. Long ago, Moses and Elijah both encountered God on a holy mountaintop. Moses was shown the divine glory on Mount Sinai, and his face became radiant from this encounter. Elijah also met God on the same mountain, in the sound of a gentle breeze. St Luke tells us that Moses and Elijah were speaking of Jesus’, passing which he would accomplish in Jerusalem—, his passing through death to heavenly life. The Greek word used here for “,passing”, is exodus. Jesus would achieve a new exodus for God’,s people, an exodus from sin and death towards heavenly life. Both Moses and Elijah passed through water on their life journeys. As Moses crossed the Red Sea unscathed, so Jesus would cross the threshold of death unharmed. As Elijah parted the waters of the River Jordan, so Jesus would safely cross over the threshold of death. As Elijah was taken up into heaven, so would Jesus be. After Moses’, death, no grave for him was ever found, and a Jewish tradition arose that Moses (like Elijah) had been assumed into heaven. These two prophets appear with Jesus in glory at the Transfiguration because they are already, in some sense, with him in glory. Jesus knew that his closest disciples needed to glimpse his glory on the way to his crucifixion. At that time, they were not yet ready to share his cross, but years later, they would share in suffering on their way to glory. Indeed, both Peter and James died as martyrs. The Transfiguration happened for the sake of Peter, John, and James, because Jesus was preparing them for his cross. He was showing them a glimpse of his risen life, to strengthen their faith to endure the coming dark days. Every time we come to Mass, sacramentally we recall Jesus’, death and resurrection (the paschal mystery). Before his suffering, he showed his disciples the radiant glory that he would inherit—,the same glory he was preparing for all his followers. This is our hope for ourselves and all our departed loved ones. We are people who have already crossed sacramentally from death to life by passing through baptismal waters. But we are on our personal journey towards our own passing (or exodus) through death to heavenly life. The Feast of the Transfiguration encourages to look at Jesus’, glorious face. It is good for us to be with Jesus in prayer, even if sometimes our eyes are weighed down with sleepiness. May our contemplation of Jesus in glory give us strength to face the difficulties of our lives, until we are united with the Lord in heaven.
Read in full
Find your local Catholic Historical Church newspaper. Scroll to find yours.